R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-21-1: Methods of recovering fines and forfeitures.

Unless otherwise specially provided:

(1) All fines of five hundred dollars ($500) and under shall be recovered by complaint and summons;

(2) All fines of upwards of five hundred dollars ($500), by indictment or information;

(3) All penalties and pecuniary forfeitures, by action of debt; and

(4) All forfeitures of personal property, by complaint and warrant or by information.